During infection the interaction between invading bacteria and the surface of human cells is a key factor in colonization and infection. In addition many surfaces in the body are coated with mucosal secretions. In both of these cases the first point of contact is with proteins decorated with sugar moieties (glycans). Bacterial pathogens have thus...

This studentship offers the opportunity to work on a PhD project within the Integrated Bioscience Group at the School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield. The group undertakes leading research into mechanisms of oral diseases and advancement in drug delivery and therapy. The use of in vitro tissue-engineered models of the oral mucosa to...

Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions towards drugs and other molecules are an increasing problem in society. During drug discovery pharmaceutical companies go to great lengths, usually by using animal models, to ensure that any new drug they develop does not induce hypersensitivity reactions. However, the use of animals for such tests raises ethical...

During infection in the human body the interaction between invading bacteria and the surface of human cells is a key factor in determining establishment of colonization and infection. Some bacteria are able to enter epithelial cells, evade the immune system and manipulate cellular function- including innate immune responses. In the case of oral disease,...

Our long-standing research interests have been focused on the innate immune system with particular relevance to the protection of the ears, nose, mouth and airways. In order to understand the complex relationship between the normal flora and these tissues, and to understand the changes that take place following exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses,...

Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for a number of cancers, but its contribution to oral cancer (predominantly comprised of oral squamous cell carcinoma) outcomes is unclear. In some cancers, such as those of the prostate and breast, the presence of local fat (adipose) tissue (comprised mainly of adipocytes) correlates with disease progression,...

Saliva is produced by three pairs of major salivary glands and multiple minor glands in the lips, associated with the tongue and also with the palate. Saliva starts the digestion of food, helps to keep the mouth moist so that we can talk, keeps the mouth clean by washing extra material, including food, out and contains proteins able to control the...

Saliva acts as a lubricant for mastication, a diluent for food tasting and aids swallowing and speech. It also helps to keep our mouths healthy by washing our mouths, acting as a buffer and contains a number of proteins, which have antibacterial, antifungal and/or antiviral activity. Salivary dysfunction is associated with oral pain, infections (both...

Our population is ageing and we know that globally the number of older individuals is increasing at a greater rate than that of young people. We hypothesise that with age saliva composition and output alters and can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Significantly saliva can give us information not only about oral diseases but also...